Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Gene Therapy ST-920 Leading to Long-term Benefits in STAAR Trial

One-time treatment with ST-920 (isaralgagene civaparvovec), an experimental gene therapy being developed by Sangamo Therapeutics, continues to be generally well-tolerated among people with Fabry disease, according to new data from the Phase 1/2 STAAR clinical trial. Trial data show that the gene therapy leads to long-term increases in activity…

Mitochondrial TRAP1 Helps Restore Lysosome Function in Early Study

Activating a mitochondrial protein called TRAP1 can help to improve the functionality of lysosomes, the cellular structures that are defective in Fabry disease, a new study reports. The study, “Activation of mitochondrial TRAP1 stimulates mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk and correction of lysosomal dysfunction,” was published in iScience.

AceLink’s AL01211 Granted FDA Orphan Drug Status for Fabry

AL01211, a once-daily oral therapy being developed by AceLink Therapeutics for Fabry disease, has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA gives this designation to investigational treatments with the potential to improve care for rare diseases that affect fewer than…

‘Sequencing First’ Strategy Aims to Speed Diagnosis

Mendelics and Takeda are partnering for a new program that aims to use a genetic sequencing strategy to make diagnosis of Fabry disease easier and faster. Fabry disease is caused by mutations in the GLA gene located on the X chromosome. This gene provides instructions for making the alpha-galactosidase…

CARS Microscopy Technique May Help Identify Heart Involvement

A tissue analysis technique called CARS microscopy could be useful for identifying heart involvement in Fabry disease, according to a new study. Fully known as Coherent anti-Stokes Raman microscopy, the technique “allows early, reliable and efficient detection of [Fabry]-triggered alterations in affected organs,” such as the heart, the researchers…

Rare Autoimmune Kidney Disorder Seen With Fabry Disease

The case of a man with Fabry disease that co-occurred with a rare autoimmune kidney disorder was described in a recent report. While it’s possible that the rare combination was coincidental, researchers speculated that damage to the kidneys resulting from Fabry disease might have set the stage for the…

Europe Awaits Proposed New Framework for Sharing Health Data

The European Commission is expected to propose a new governing framework for health data next month, called the European Health Data Space (EHDS), with the aim of connecting national health systems to facilitate secure and efficient transfer of data across systems in different European nations. The move is expected to…